by hatfield13

Friday Five (and one of them is a big one)

1.  I did two cartwheels in the hallway at school today.  It was part of a shameless bribe to get my 7th graders to hand in homework on time. It worked.  And I’ve been practicing, so it wasn’t too painful.

2.  If I read one more amazing MG novel this month, I’m going to have to quit the Cybils panel because I can’t possibly choose a short list.  My short list is a long list.

3. I’m talking to kids about history and writing and signing books at the Kent Delord House Museum Holiday Open House in Plattsburgh, NY this Saturday from 11-12.  If you live in the area, please stop by and say hello!

4.  After that, we’re going here to get our Christmas tree.  They have a wood stove and apples and warm cinnamon sugar donuts.  Yay!

I saved the big one for last. 

Before I became a teacher and children’s writer, I worked  for seven years as a tv news reporter and producer. 

In my old business, what I’m about to do  is called burying the lead, and it’s a no-no. 

Now it’s called building suspense, and it’s fine.

5. There’s a new book contract on my desk! 

North Country Books, which published Spitfire, has bought American rights to my new middle grade historical novel, Champlain & the Silent One.  It’s about a Montagnais Indian boy who guides Samuel de Champlain on his journey from Quebec to Lake Champlain to encounter the Iroquois.  It’s scheduled for release next fall, in anticipation of the Champlain Quadricentennial — the 400th anniversary of Champlain’s voyage to the lake outside my window.  I’m thankful and excited and very, very happy.

53 Replies on “Friday Five (and one of them is a big one)”

  1. Omg, 5 is AWESOME! I am SO THRILLED for you, and now you’ll have to come back to Rochester for another book fest to sign your newest! CONGRATS!

  3. It’s so funny you said that – as soon as they made the offer, the first thing I said to my husband was, “And I’ll have TWO titles on my table in Rochester next year!” That is the greatest festival in the universe.

  11. CONGRATULATIONS on your contract!!!!! YAY.

    I totally know what you mean about Cybils. I just finished another great book, and the one I picked up next is really great, too. Aaaah!

  16. Above all, congratulations on the two cartwheels. And the christmas tree. And the school visit.

    I always feel bad for the bullet points that aren’t touted the BEST one.

    Oh, and also congrats on the book contract….

  25. Thanks, Melodye! I’m really excited about this book and thrilled that it will be out in time to help celebrate the 400th anniversary of Champlain’s voyage.

  33. Thanks, Eric! Truth be told, I’m very excited about the Christmas tree, too. It’s been a crazy week, and I’m excited to relax and hang ornaments.

  41. Hooray!

    Congratulations, Kate! That is fantastic news. The entire Burns clan will be looking forward to CHAMPLAIN & HE SILENT ONE.

    Loree

  46. CONGRATULATIONS!! Way to build suspense. Now I have to ask… Where to you live that you’re close to Plattsburg? I used to shop there and drive through on our way to Montreal when I lived in Lake Placid.

  47. Congratulations!

    So is this with your agent’s help — is it her first sale =)

    WoW! I can see you’ll be busy next year with all kinds of book events!!

  50. WooHOOOOOOOOO!!!

    If I could, I’d turn cartwheels for you right now. I can’t, of course, but I am doing the happy dance for you nevertheless. Congratulations, Kate, and well-earned!

  51. Re: Congratulations!

    No – this is actually the option book for SPITFIRE that was submitted before I signed with my agent. The fabulous JL is in the process of subbing my MG contemporary. I’d LOVE to have positive news on that one soon, too!!